Capitol Hill diners will have to switch gustatory gears on North Capitol Street, when the tortilla-wrapped treasures advanced by Taqueria Nacional convert to seafood and creole offerings.

John Fulchino, co-founder of Johnny’s Half Shell and Taqueria Nacional, confirmed to HOH that his taco-slinging operation will relocate to 1409 T St. NW later this year. The move will bring with it a number of dining and drinking upgrades. “There will be beers and frozen margaritas, but no bar,” he said.

The present Taqueria Nacional space will be converted to a Johnny’s takeout, poised to feature some slightly modified Half Shell standards as well as a few new additions.

Fulchino said he and his partner, chef Ann Cashion, had originally planned on opening Taqueria Nacional in Columbia Heights. When their first deal fell through in 2003, they kept their taco concept closer to home and simply carved out a place for it beside Johnny’s.